Some viewing stone clubs thrive and expand over the years, while others slowly decline and fade away. The decline in the number of stone clubs in Asia and other countries is a concern. For example, the Aiseki magazine in Japan, which serves Suiseki clubs throughout the Country, has been tracking the number of clubs for several decades. Their survey showed 421 clubs in 1988, the highest number in the history of Japanese suiseki; 314 clubs in 2018; and 233 clubs in 2026. The loss of clubs has accelerated over the last three decades. This decline is also occurring in China and possibly in other countries, but accurate data are lacking. 

This year, we will publish articles on some of the more successful clubs globally to identify their key features. We hope this serves as a guide for other existing clubs and for people considering organizing a new club devoted to stone appreciation.

The first in the series is the Aiseki Club Toyota in Japan.

The Aiseki Club Toyota, previously known as the Fujioka Aiseki Club, was established 30 years ago in the Fujioka area outside Toyota City, Japan. The club changed its name to the Aiseki Club Toyota in 2019. 

This year, the club held a 30th-anniversary exhibition on April 4 and 5 at the Kirakutei a former traditional restaurant established in the late Meiji period and now used as an exhibition hall for Japanese-style events. The Kirakutei is located in Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture. Forty-eight suiseki were displayed, some in a tokonoma setting, and others along high and low tables.

Mr. Nishiyama Takashi (Tom) became the president of the Aiseki Club Toyota in 2014. He initiated and continues to be the driving force behind a worldwide effort to have suiseki and bonsai designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage within UNESCO’s World Heritage Program. Nishiyama opened the club to foreign membership and invited those members to participate in their exhibitions. He initiated an annual Small Stone Exhibition in 2019, focusing on stones less than 15 cm.

Nishiyama retired in 2023, and Mr. Okumura Shigenori became the president of the Aiseki Toyota Club. Okumura expanded the innovation by creating a special area at their annual exhibition for stones from new members and for stones collected by children. He also established the first foreign chapter of the Aiseki Club Toyota. International relationships and activities are mutually beneficial to all participants, as they learn from and share information and experiences. There are now 14 overseas members.

Mr. Sami Amdouni, president of the European chapter in France, stated, “Aiseki Toyota Club is not only a club, but it is also a family that goes beyond borders. Through its openness and commitment, it allows people from all over the world to learn, share, and keep the spirit of suiseki alive.”

Here are the innovative activities that the Aiseki Toyota Club has implemented to become one of the most successful suiseki clubs in Japan: 

- a sustained major effort to include women and children in all activities

- established special programs and activities for children. The recent “Stone Painting by Kids,” where children enjoy painting stones, is one     example.

- encourages foreign membership and foreign participation in club-sponsored exhibitions established a European chapter in France

- adapting to a digital transformation and increased use of the Internet to promote traditional suiseki values

The Aiseki Club Toyota serves as a model for other viewing stone clubs worldwide. Copying or adapting versions of these activities, along with the other innovations, helps ensure a club’s success while promoting and elevating the status of viewing stone appreciation.